Good mental health and wellness for 2023

If we consider the possible economic losses due to mental health condition, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a loss of one trillion USD worldwide during 2012-2030. As per the reports of the National Mental Health survey (NMHS), it has been found that 14 per cent of the population in our country needs professional help for mental health issues.

We have witnessed a drastic and unexpected increase in the number of people suffering from mental illness after the Covid-19 pandemic. It has also been reported that one in seven persons is suffering from different types of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety etc.

Anyone can have mental health issues; it may happen to your friends, colleague, relatives, family, and acquaintances.

Anxiety has become a ubiquitous form of mental illness which we come across in our regular life. An anxiety can occur in any phase in a lifelong process. Furthermore, people having anxiety issues find it hard to overcome their fear from mild to longer period of stress or panic.

But yes, anxiety can be effectively treated by different approaches such as self-treatment. Physical activity, a healthy diet, regular sleep, and relaxation exercises may all help to reduce anxiety. Joining a support group may also help. Based on the severity of the anxiety level, seeking medical care, reaching out to a mental health first-aider, and taking up a consultation with a mental health professional can be immensely helpful.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released data on suicidal deaths in India in August, 2022 and the figures were startling. A total of 1,64,033 suicides were reported in the country in 2021 which is an increase of 7.2 per cent in comparison to the previous year in terms of total numbers. The number reported is the highest-ever recorded in the country since inception of reporting of suicides by the NCRB in 1967. This is a genuine cause of concern, especially the unfortunate student suicides in India which recorded an all-time high in 2022. As per reports by NCRB, student suicides saw an increase by 4.5 per cent as compared to 2021.

As per the NCERT survey, it has been found that 81 per cent of students feel anxious because of academic stress and competition. It is very much necessary to find solutions.

We strongly believe there may be different reasons for the reported suicide cases. These may be personal or financial, but the numbers are depicting that the mental illness is becoming a big reason due to lack of proper treatment and awareness. The mental health experts in the country say that up to 15 per cent people suffering from mental health have suicidal tendencies.

It is often observed that when people want to express their state of mind and the issues about mental health, they are often met by mockery and ridicule.

Data shows clearly that more men go to the doctor for mental health-related issues compared to women. Deaths due to heart attacks increased by six times in the first half of 2021 compared to 2020, and it has also been pointed out that emotional stress during Covid is one of the reasons for the number of deaths reported.

Before solving it, we must admit to the existence of the problem, and believe that anyone can have mental health issues. In some mental health-related cases, many people cannot clearly convey their problems as they are frowned upon by outsiders. But it is vital for the overall well-being to address mental health issues as mental health also affects important organs and glands of the body.

Mental health awareness has also increased in the last few years. Data shows that young Indians are actively taking care of their mental health and in the last one year, there has been a 44 per cent increase in consultations. The consultation consists of people from the age group of 25-34 years, where 61 per cent males and 39 per cent females went for the treatment to doctors or therapist for their mental health issues. This is indeed a good sign.

The younger generation has started to understand about the mental health issues as an important health aspect. Many schools in the country have also started giving attention to the mental health of the students, especially after two years of virtual schooling.

The biggest misconception in the country is that some people perceive that mental illness only happen to the weak people/abnormal people. Sometimes we tend to believe that if we are strong physically then we should be strong mentally.For one's good mental health, identifying emotions and mental state is very important.

More than 56 million Indians are suffering from depression.

"PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying events, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety and a survey indicates that 28.2 per cent of the population (that participated in the survey) suffered from PTSD during lockdown in India", said Anita Khokhar. The prevalence of PTSD in India was found to be 32.4 per cent, and mild and moderate depressions were present among 14.4 per cent and 6.4 per cent of the study population, respectively.

It's okay not to be okay. So going to therapy is not a sign of weakness. Being able to recognize or want help is a sign of high self-awareness and choosing to seek help is incredibly brave.

The ultimate fact is that anybody can become a victim of mental health issues. And solving it is a unique journey for everyone because there is no uniform treatment for mental health issues.

Sometimes lifestyle changes help, but professional help is always recommended. With the new beginning of the year, the following self-assessment can be considered.

1. Are you overworked and overthinking?

2. Do you get angry very fast?

3. Ever felt low in life that nothing interests you?

4. Do you feel still and lethargic?

5. Do you spend too much time on TV or online?

An honest introspection will do wonders in your life during this prosperous New Year 2023.

Deepika Mayanglambam

(She can be reached at speak2ffmi@gmail.com)